Pulmonary actinomycosis: cytomorphological features

Pulmonary actinomycosis is an uncommon infectious disease. Although the gold standard for diagnosis is histological examination with bacterial culture of lung tissue, cytology samples offer a fast and low-cost alternate diagnostic procedure. The cytology literature on this topic is limited to mostly case reports. Therefore, the aim of this study was to review cytological material in a series of patients with a diagnosis of pulmonary actinomycosis to characterize the main cytomorphological findings. Different cytological respiratory samples including sputum smears, bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs), transthoracic or endobronchial fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and cell block preparations were used for retrospective examination. For all cases patient age, gender, symptoms, and radiological chest findings were recorded. A total of 26 cytological respiratory samples (14 sputum smears, 9 FNAC, two BALs) including direct smears and 6 cell blocks from 9 patients were examined. In sputum smears the most remarkable findings were the presence of dark cotton ball masses with projections like spider legs and/or mouse tails (75% of the samples). Sulfur granules were observed in 4 (40%) of the sputum smears and within FNAC cases. Various respiratory cytology samples including sputum smears, FNAC and BALs can reveal cytomorphological findings diagnostic of pulmonary actinomycosis. Characteristic cytological findings compatible with a diagnosis of this infection include cotton ball masses and less frequently sulfur granules.

An Experimental Study on the Pressure Range of Fire Cupping Method

Background: Standardized procedures for the clinical application of fire cupping methods have not been established. In particular, the pressure parameters have not been fully characterized and described. Therefore, using various materials, this study investigated the pressure range exerted during fire cupping therapy. Methods: In this study, 3 differently sized (small, medium, large) glass and bamboo cups were used in the cotton ball fire cupping procedure to measure the pressure inside the cup applied to a human skin model. The pressure in each cup was measured 15 times for a total of 90 measurements. Results: A small bamboo cup had the minimum overall pressure (-305.4 mmHg), whereas the large glass cup exerted the maximum pressure (-401.3 mmHg), followed by the medium glass cup, large bamboo cup, small glass cup, and medium bamboo cup. The average pressure exerted by the cotton ball method for all cups ranged from -348.715 mmHg to -358.694 mmHg (95% confidence interval). Overall, the glass cups had a greater pressure than the bamboo cups in all groups (p < 0.001). Among the glass cups used, the larger the size of the cup, the higher the average pressure detected (-381.947 mmHg to -391.973 mmHg; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Large glass cups which are widely used in clinical practice, when used in the fire cupping method exerted pressure ranging from -381.947 mmHg to -391.973 mmHg (95% CI).

Optical coherence tomography biomarkers for visual acuity in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane

Purpose: To investigate the correlation between outer and inner retina optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers and visual acuity in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) and identify which of them may be predictive of visual function. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional single-center study was conducted that included patients diagnosed with iERM. Spectral domain OCT images were obtained and assessed qualitatively and quantitatively. The association of OCT parameters with best corrected visual acuity was analyzed. Results: Charts of 97 eyes of 97 patients were reviewed. Central foveal thickness, maximal retinal thickness (MRT), photoreceptor outer segment length, outer foveal thickness, ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer complex thickening, inner retinal thickness and inner retinal layer irregularity index were among the major outcome measures. OCT scans were also assessed for the presence of cotton ball sign, ellipsoid zone disruption, ectopic inner foveal layer, disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL), intraretinal fluid, subretinal fluid (SRF) and epimacular membrane rip. Univariate analysis showed statistically significant association between all the aforementioned parameters with worse vision, except for cotton ball sign and SRF. Multivariate analysis found that MRT and severe DRIL were strongly correlated with worse vision ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: MRT and severe DRIL should be considered as negative prognostic factors for visual acuity.

MORPHOLOGICAL IDENTIFICATION AND POPULATION OF FRUIT FLY (Bactrocera sp.) (Diptera: Tephritidae) IN CHILI FIELDS, SAVANAJAYA VILLAGE BURU DISTRICT

Morphological identification and population of fruit fly (Bactrocera sp.) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in chili fields, SavanajayaVillage Buru District. Fruit fly (Bactrocera sp.) are pests that damage horticultural crops, one of which is chili and has thepotential to reduce the production quality and quantity. The aim of this research was to identify and obtain populationnumbers of fruit fly species in the chili fields in Savanajaya Village, Buru District. This study used diagonal sampling methodwith fruit fly traps placed randomly at each sub location of sampling, traps were modified Steiner ’s Trap type. Each trap wasconsisted of 1.5 mL of methyl eugenol on cotton ball, the treatment was repeated three times. Observations were at 3, 6, 9 and12 days after application (daa). The identification results showed that the fruit flies species that trapped were Bactroceradorsalis (Hendel) and Bactrocera umbrosus (Fabricius). The highest number of fruit fly was trapped at 6 daa with an averageof 110.67 to 134.03 or 48.51 to 58.73% from total catch, in addition the lowest catch was at 12 daa with an average of 29.67 to64.67 or 12.99 to 28. 34%. The average number of trapped population was 914.62 individuals.

Homogenous particleboard made from whole cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) stalk agricultural waste: Optimisation of particle size and influence of cotton residue on performance

The objective of this research was to characterize the cotton stalk resource. This paper also focused on the manufacturing of formaldehyde-free particleboards using whole cotton stalk. The effects of opening particle sizes and cotton ball residue ratios on performance properties of manufactured particleboard was assessed. Modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bond (IB), and thickness swelling (TS) were characterized. Particleboards manufactured from four different opening particle sizes (6, 8, 10, and 20 mm) using an emulsifiable polymeric isocyanate adhesive (eMDI) were investigated. Similarly, the same performance properties were evaluated using four different cotton ball residue ratios (0, 5, 10, and 15 wt%). Results showed that the stem length and diameter of cotton stalks cultivated in Queensland (Australia) vary greatly and range from 160 to 890 mm and 5.03 to 10.88 mm, respectively. The highest weight proportion of the resource is the cotton stem making up 46 wt% of the available resource. The highest average values of MOR, MOE, IB, and the lowest TS were observed for boards with an opening particle size of 8 mm. The cotton ball residues had detrimental effects on the mechanical properties with a decrease in properties observed with increasing cotton ball residue load.